LENNIE Lawrence is considering throwing hitman Peter Thorne into the starting line-up for tomorrow's Nationwide League clash with Ipswich Town.

Former Stoke striker Thorne is likely to link up with Robert Earnshaw in attack as the Bluebirds aim to extend their unbeaten First Division run to nine matches.

Lawrence would only confirm that the 16 on duty for the 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion will be the same against Ipswich, but it looks certain Thorne will play.

Gavin Gordon has done a good job during a seven-match spell alongside Earnshaw, but it is not a natural partnership.

Both are players who would rather play off a target-man and City finished the clash with Albion strongly after Thorne went on and was able to hold the ball up.

While Lawrence ponders his final decision over Thorne or Gordon and Ipswich Town manager Joe Royle decides whether to call up Alan Mahon, it looks certain to be a first-class match.

Both teams love to pass the ball and try to play flowing football.

Ipswich are totally different from the direct and organised West Brom team, who impressed so much in midweek.

"It could be a cracker, a real spectacle," said Lawrence. "Ipswich base their game around passing and movement, just as we do."

Irish international Mahon spent three months with Cardiff City last season and looks set to face the Bluebirds after recovering from injury and illness.

Royle rang Lawrence for his thoughts when he first thought of signing Mahon on loan from Blackburn Rovers.

"Alan started like a house on fire when he joined us in January last season and made a contribution to our promotion," said Lawrence. His form dipped near the end of his stay, but that was down to the uncertainty of whether he was going to be staying with us.

"It was a difficult situation and in the end he returned to Blackburn, but he did a good job for us."

City fans will be able to compare Dublin-born Mahon with their current left-sided favourite, Julian Gray.

Mahon joined the Bluebirds on loan from Blackburn and Gray has been loaned from Crystal Palace.

Both have quality and Gray has been growing in stature since earning a starting place.

Lawrence has held back on throwing Gray into the starting line-up because he had played so little football at Palace and that has proved spot on. Gray is increasingly influential with his quick feet and pace.

City jumped into the top six after their draw against Albion and can now step up their bid for a play-off spot at least in their first season back in the higher divisions.

Rhys Weston is ruled out after suffering a setback during City's reserve match at Swansea City. He limped off after suffering a knee injury.